Modular test instrument

ABSTRACT

A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions. The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can he employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit. The application-specific application modules each include a physical interface for establishing signal-communicating connection to the equipment to be tested, and application-specific program data and software, including information required to provide appropriate test signals, test messages, and the like. Each application module also stores user interface software for providing an application-specific user interface. When an application module is assembled to a base unit, polling software comprised by the base unit determines the identity of the application module, and determines whether it stores any software or other program data not previously copied to the base unit&#39;s memory; if not, the copying step is begun automatically upon assembly.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/566,123,filed May 5, 2000, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/956,123, filed Oct. 22, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,721.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a modular test instrument, wherein a baseunit providing certain non-application-specific functions is specializedfor a particular application by assembly thereto of an applicationmodule.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the proliferation of a wide variety of microprocessor-andcomputer-controlled equipment there has arisen a need forcorrespondingly complex test and diagnostic equipment. Morespecifically, equipment from appliances to automobiles, elevators toautomatic teller machines, building HVAC equipment to gasoline pumps,and of course a wide variety of computer and communication equipment perse, is now provided with unprecedented functionality through extensiveuse of complex electronics, particularly microprocessors. Testing suchcomplex equipment requires correspondingly sophisticated test equipment.

While the specific test methodology to be employed varies widely, ingeneral a test instrument specialized to the equipment to be tested isconnected thereto by way of a physical interface, such that amicroprocessor of the test instrument is in signal-communicatingrelation to the circuitry of the equipment. Appropriate test conditionsare then created—for example, in testing an automatic teller machine,the test technician might simulate a particular type of transaction—andthe test instrument will monitor the response of the equipment. In thetelecommunication connection, the testing may involve monitoring ongoingtraffic; injection of predetermined test messages, to monitor thesystem's response; measuring operational parameters, such as bit errorrates, message travel times and the like; or monitoring, the operationof individual components of the system.

As noted, as a rule the test instrument employed for testing givenequipment is specialized thereto, that is, is useful only for testing aspecific type of equipment or perhaps a class of related equipment.Automobile manufacturers, for example, provide their dealers andauthorized repair shops with new computers for testing and diagnosingthe engine management systems of each new class of cars, i.e., as theelectronics of each new generation of cars become more sophisticated,the dealers must upgrade their computers accordingly. Moreover, eachmanufacturer employs a unique format not only for the physicalinterface, but also for the data formats used, the microprocessorarchitecture, and so on, so that each instrument is usable only with asingle manufacturer's vehicles.

In general, such test instruments comprise a user interface forcommunicating information to and receiving instructions from thetechnician. Information is usually communicated to the user by way of adisplay screen; input may be accomodated by way of a keyboard or keypad,by the user's scrolling along a list of possible choices, by pointing toa specific region on a graphical user interface (GUI) with a “mouse”,“trackball”, or other pointing device, or, if the display istouch-sensitive, by simply contacting the defined regions. In mostcases, the user interface is designed to “prompt” the user through anappropriate sequence of “screens” so as to select a particular test tobe performed, determine various parameters, control the disposition ofthe results, and the like.

It has not escaped the attention of the art that despite their widevariety, most such test instruments have many common physical features,and that they differ principally in the physical interface used to makethe connection to the equipment under test and in the software requiredto perform the test and to define the user interface. In particular, theart has recognized that substantial savings could be realized if acommon unit, including generic components such as a display screen,power supply, and user input interface, could be “customized” for aparticular application by addition thereto of physical interfacehardware and internal and user interface software.

For example, a number of devices have been offered fortelecommunications testing wherein a basic unit is “customized” fortesting devices obeying varying protocols. Here the basic units havetypically been “laptop” personal computers adapted for testing ofparticular devices by plug-in memory cards and/or supply of floppy disksproviding the corresponding software. Such plug-in cards are normallyrather delicate, and the floppy disks are susceptible of loss orphysical damage. See generally U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,342 to Symborski;Schillaci et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,912; Horton et al U.S. Pat. No.5,533,093; Selig et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,958; and Heins U.S. Pat. No.5,528,660.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,432,705 and 5,511,108, both to Severt et al, show an“administrative computer” for storing work order information, customeraddresses and the like, and which can be coupled to test equipment forrecording test results. In a second embodiment of this device, shown inthe '108 patent, the administrative computer is divided into two matingportions 402 and 404 and a “slice” 438 can be inserted and assembledtherebetween. See FIGS. 12, 13, and 24 of the '108 patent, and thespecification at cols. 9-12. As discussed at col. 9, line 45, the slice“contains circuitry and devices to facilitate testing, maintaining orinstalling telephone lines or equipment.” The slice includes thephysical connection to the circuit to be tested; see FIG. 18 and thespecification at col. 11, lines 1-5.

The '108 patent states explictly that other types of slice could beprovided for testing equipment other than telephone equipment per se,such as “fiber optic systems, . . . non-telephone communications systems. . . for supporting general field servicing of electrical devices,e.g., copiers, printers, computers, faxes and the like . . . Althoughonly one slice is provided in the depicted embodiment, it is possible toconfigure a computer to accomodate more than one slice, to provide aplurality of capabilities . . . Slices can also be provided whichenhance the capabilities of the basic computer . . . such as . . .additional memory, co-processing capabilities, networking capabilitiesor the like.” Col. 23, lines 39-56.

The device shown in the '108 Severt et al patent is essentially acomplete computer that can be adapted for any of a variety of specificuses by assembly of a particular slice. This is evidently not intendedto be performed repetitively; note the complicated assembly arrangementsshown by FIG. 24. It is therefore clear when the slice has beenassembled, the unit has essentially been dedicated to the particularuse. This significantly limits the utility of the device; for example,there are numerous occasions in the telecommunication industry at whichtwo different types of communications systems meet, as where a satellite“downlink” is interfaced to a land line. It would be highly desirable toprovide a technician with a single instrument capable of ready andconvenient adaptation to testing both types of equipment.

Other generally relevant patents can be summarized as follows:

Debacker U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,644 shows a simulator and method fortesting system software of a communication system. The software employedis divided into “program modules” for testing various system functions.

Dariano U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,896 shows a T-Carrier Network Simulator fortraining technicians by simulating various network faults. It appearsthat various faults are simulated by plugging “smart jacks” emulatingvarious circuit characteristics into the simulator.

Butler et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,259 shows a data terminal for field useby technicians capable of downloading software, work orders, and thelike from a host computer over a normal telephone line. Variouscommunication protocols are stored by the unit. Additional Butler U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,837,811 and 4,922,515 are generally similar.

Dack et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,695 shows a test device for testingcircuits in which a shift register is provided to compensate for delaysintroduced in testing.

Fitch U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,539 shows an instrument for testing voice mailsystems. A memory stores a number of test procedures.

Jablway et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,703 shows test instruments fordetecting shorts and opens in multiple wire sets. Two instruments atspaced locations may be used simultaneously.

Harris et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,601 shows use of pairedtelecommunications analyzers at opposite ends of a connection. Oneinserts a predetermined test signal, and the other detects the signal.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improvedmodular test instrument, wherein a base unit comprising certain genericcomponents and software can be adapted to performance of any of avariety of applications upon assembly thereto of a correspondingapplication module.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a modular testinstrument wherein the application modules can be readily andconveniently interchanged, to provide increased versatility in use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a modular testinstrument that does not require use of floppy disks, plug-in memory orother cards, or other additional equipment, to perform useful testfunctions, in order to simplify the design, construction, and, inparticular, the operation of the instrument.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a modular testinstrument wherein each application module includes application-specificprogram data and software, so that an application-specific userinterface is displayed by the base unit upon assembly of the applicationmodule to the base unit.

A further object of the invention is to provide new methods ofperforming testing of sophisticated equipment using instrumentscomprising a generic base unit specialized to the task by assembly of acorresponding application module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Definitions and Examples of Terminology

The following definitions and examples of terminology used herein, whichare to be considered inclusive and non-limiting, are provided tosimplify the reader's understanding of the invention and its relation tothe prior art discussed.

The present invention relates to application-specific instruments orcomputers for performing certain end-user functions in the context ofcertain applications. In the particular embodiment described in detailbelow, the instrument is a test instrument for testingtelecommunications apparatus, communications facilities, and systems.The application is then telecommunications testing, while the end-userfunctions are specific tests or operations to be performed, e.g.,monitoring communications on a given channel, inserting test messages tomonitor the accuracy of their transmission, measuring the time oftransmission of a message, or the like.

The instrument is amenable to performance of various applications, suchas testing or monitoring telecommunication equipment or systems, asabove, but also for testing various other classes of devices, such asautomatic teller machines, electronically-controlled gasoline pumps,electronic security equipment, automotive engine management systems,credit card verification equipment, various kinds of computer equipmentand peripherals, computer-controlled drafting, construction,fabricating, and assembly equipment, domestic and commercial appliances,and many additional types of device amenable to testing or diagnosticprocedures for verifying proper operation of electronic circuitcomponents and accompanying software, and where appropriate,verification of the operation of associated mechanical components.

In each case, the intent of the invention is to provide an integratedinstrument for electrical connection through an application-specificphysical interface to the equipment, system, or device being tested ormonitored. The instrument comprises an application-specific userinterface for guiding a technician or other user in properly performingthe test. Typically the user interface of the instrument will include atouch-sensitive display for both prompting the user to select a test tobe performed and to allow the user to input various data items required,as well as displaying the test results; however, the same functionscould be provided by a display screen and a separate user input device,such as a keyboard or keypad, or a mouse, trackball, or other pointingdevice.

In order that common components can be used to perform a number ofdifferent applications, the instrument comprises anon-application-specific base unit comprising the user interface, againtypically a touch-screen display for displaying information, promptingthe user, and accepting user input. The base unit also comprisesnon-application-specific software for operating the display andaccepting user input, a power supply, external communication devices,and other software and equipment for non-application-specific functions.The base unit is not itself capable of carrying out any end-userfunctions, though it can be capable of certain othernon-application-specific functions, such as receiving upgraded software,downloading archival data having been copied from a particular deviceduring testing, or the like.

The base unit is specialized, that is, becomes part of anapplication-specific instrument, when it is combined with an applicationmodule. Each application module mates physically with the base unit toform an integrated test instrument; signal-communicating connectionsbetween the base unit and application module are made simultaneouslyupon their assembly. Each application module is specific to a givenapplication supporting a number of related end-user functions. Forexample, if the application is telecommunications testing, the end-userfunctions may include monitoring particular communications for accuracy,monitoring round-trip travel time of messages between specified pointsin the system, measuring bit-error rates, and the like. Differingapplication modules are provided for testing telecommunication systemsor equipment obeying different communication protocols, whereby the bitrates, logic levels, and like standards provided by the physicalinterface of each application module vary in accordance with thespecific system or equipment involved.

In order to most conveniently prompt the user to select appropriateend-user functions, define appropriate tests, and the like, eachapplication module stores application-specific program data and softwarecooperating with the non-application-specific, generic software andequipment of the base unit to support the various application-specificend-user functions appropriate to the application to be supported. Theapplication-specific program data and software will typically includeapplication-specific user interface software cooperating with thegeneric user interface software stored by the base unit to provide anapplication-specific user interface, that is, a user interface promptingthe user for data and selections appropriate to the specific device orsystem under test.

Preferably, the combination of the base unit and application modulecomprises sophisticated software and sufficient processing power todefine a graphical user interface (GUI). GUI software defines regions onthe display screen whereby the user is prompted to make variousselections, provide required input data and the like by indicatingcorresponding areas of the screen (as opposed to less sophisticated userinterfaces, e.g., wherein the user makes selections by “scrolling”through lists of possible selections). As implemented herein, eachapplication module stores software defining an application-specificgraphical user interface (ASGUI), comprising a sequence of screensthrough which the user is prompted to select an end-user function to beperformed, input data needed to perform the end-user function, controlthe disposition of the result, and the like. Where the display device isa touch-sensitive display screen, the ASGUI allows user input by contactof the defined regions of the screen. Otherwise a mouse or other“pointing” device is used to select the appropriate screen regionsdefined by the ASGUI.

The end-user functions supported by a given application module include awide variety of tests, monitoring procedures, downloading of archivaldata stored by the equipment under test, and the like, varying widelywith the particular equipment. For example, in testing of automaticteller equipment, the instrument may perform various simulatedtransactions to verify proper operation, and may also download and storearchival transaction information, for cross-correlation to similarinformation stored at a central site. Security equipment, such askeycard-controlled locks, may similarly be tested by introduction of atest key to verify proper detection and processing operation; theinstrument may also allow downloading of stored access histories.End-user functions performed with respect to telecommunication equipmentmay involve monitoring ongoing communications, error rate measurement,injection of faulty or diagnostic messages into a stream of usermessages to observe their disposition by the system, and numerous otheroptions.

In each case, the application module comprises a suitableapplication-specific physical interface for making appropriateconnection to the circuitry of the system or equipment under test, andapplication-specific circuitry and software as needed. In thetelecommunications testing application, the application-specificphysical interface may comprise ports for jumper wires making connectionto test points provided on conventional equipment, or an antenna andsuitable transceiving circuitry for connection to wireless equipment,e.g., cellular telephone equipment.

Other applications will necessitate different physical interfaces, ofcourse; in the context of testing automotive engine management systems,the application module will typically include a cable to be plugged intoa multipin receptacle connected to the engine management computer. Inverifying the operation of credit-card verification equipment normallyconnected to a remote computer by the telephone system, the applicationmodule may include a credit-card-shaped test object having known codesstored thereon, and male and female telephone connectors allowing theinstrument to conveniently be interposed between the device to be testedand the telephone line.

The application-specific program data and software stored by eachapplication module similarly includes all information for carrying outthe end-user functions relevant to the corresponding application, inaddition to the information necessary to support the ASGUI. For example,an application module for testing of telecommunications apparatus,communications facilities or systems operations obeying the so-called“T1” protocol (this referring to an international standard governingsuch physical parameters as message format, “high” and “low” bit levels,permissible distortion of pulse shape and timing during transmission,and the like) will store the corresponding functional information neededto perform suitable tests.

Similarly, the application-specific circuitry and software in thecontext of testing communications equipment includes components togenerate pulses conforming to the communication protocol, software toassemble such pulses into suitable test messages, timing circuitry tomeasure time delays experienced by particular test messages, errordetection circuitry for monitoring the integrity of test messages, andthe like.

The application-specific program data and software may also includelibraries of stored tests, i.e., collections of parameters ofcommonly-performed tests, so that the user may simply choose a test fromthe library, rather than specify each parameter separately, and mayinclude previously-stored archival and status data, informationcorrelating specific items of equipment to specific test results stored,results of previous tests (e.g., to allow comparison of replaced andreplacement components) and the like.

2. Summary of the Invention

The objects of the invention mentioned specifically above, and othersappearing as the discussion below proceeds, are met by the presentinvention, wherein a base unit and one of a selection of applicationmodules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions withoutthe other, are physically assembled to one another to form astructurally unitary device specialized for performance of variousapplication-specific end-user functions.

It is highly desirable that such a device be self-explanatory to a userinsofar as possible, so that a user can use the instrument (withdiffering application modules as needed) to perform such processes withrespect to a variety of differing equipment without extensivespecialized training.

The base unit is in effect generic to all types of test to be provided,and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and genericsoftware to operate the display and user interface. Each applicationmodule is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that thesame base unit can be employed with a wide variety of applicationmodules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removedfrom and assembled to the base unit.

The application-specific application modules each include a physicalinterface for establishing signal-communicating connection to theequipment to be tested, and application-specific program data andsoftware, including information required to provide appropriate testsignals, test messages, and the like. Each application module alsostores user interface software for providing an application-specificuser interface operating in conjunction with the generic displaysoftware comprised by the base unit to provide an application-specificuser interface, operating in a highly intuitive fashion, e.g., promptingthe user to make appropriate selections and input required data to carryout the selected tests.

When an application module is assembled to a base unit, polling softwarecomprised by the base unit determines the identity of the applicationmodule, and determines whether it stores any software or other programdata not previously copied to the base unit's memory; if not, thecopying step is begun automatically upon assembly. Accordingly, the userneed take no significant steps to cause an application module and baseunit, after assembly to one another, to establish communicationtherebetween, further simplifying use of the instrument, and reducingthe user training required.

Preferably, the base unit includes a power supply for both itself andthe application module, and the application module stores program dataand software in nonvolatile memory. Where the power supply includes abattery, a battery monitor circuit provides a low power indication whenappropriate, so that the application module can latch the contents ofits active registers before the data is lost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood if reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the base unit and anexemplary application module, which when assembled comprise anapplication-specific test instrument according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the principal components of the baseunit and an application module, in this embodiment intended for testingof so-called “T1” communication equipment, and illustrates schematicallytheir connection to form an application-specific test instrumentaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the processor subsystem of the basemodule;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the communication subsystem of the basemodule;

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the user interface subsystem of the basemodule;

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the power supply subsystem of the basemodule;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the audio subsystem of the base module;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an application module according to thepresent invention, again in an embodiment intended for testing ofso-called “T1” communication equipment;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic flowchart illustrating the principal stepstaken upon assembly of the application module to the base unit; and

FIG. 10, comprising FIGS. 10(a) and (b), illustrates sequences ofscreens useful in defining particular tests to be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above, it is an object of the invention to provide amodular test instrument, including a base module providing generic userinterface, power supply, and external communication functions, and anapplication-specific application module. The combination of these twocomponents, comprising an application-specific test instrument, providesa user the ability to perform a variety of test and other proceduresappropriate for evaluation, diagnosis, adjustment, and/or repair of anassociated apparatus, system, communication facility, or the like.

As noted, it is important that the application modules be readily andconveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit. FIG. 1illustrates a physical configuration of the base unit and applicationmodule in a preferred embodiment of the instrument of the inventionproviding this capability. A base unit 10 and application module 12 areconveniently assembled into a unitary instrument by sliding theapplication module laterally toward the base unit 10. Base unit 10comprises a protruding tongue 16 received within a cavity 18 inapplication module 12; locks (not shown) may be provided to preventtheir accidental separation. When the assembly is thus made, atouch-sensitive display screen 14 of generally conventional typecomprised by the base unit 10 is spaced between end gripping surfaces 20and 22, on base unit 10 and application module 12, respectively; theoverall assembly is sized to be comfortably carried on one's forearm,between one's palm and elbow, leaving the other hand free for datainput.

In the preferred embodiment, the user accomplishes all data input bytouching defined areas on touch-sensitive display screen 14. Morespecifically, application-specific software stored by application module12 cooperates with generic display operating software stored by baseunit 10 to define an application-specific graphical user interface(ASGUI), wherein predetermined areas are defined on the screen 14 ateach stage in selection or performance of a given test or otherprocedure. The user can then provide appropriate input by touching aselected region on the display screen 14. A stylus for this purpose maybe carried conveniently in an elongated bore 24 formed in the housing ofthe application module 12. Alternatively, other types of data inputdevices, including “pointing” devices such as mice, trackballs or thelike, as well as keyboards or keypads, may be incorporated, at some costin physical complexity and weight.

As noted above, all application modules are assembled to the base unit10 in essentially the identical fashion, in order to simplify theprocess of removal and replacement, and to render uniform the process ofcopying application-specific information from the application module tothe base unit. In the embodiment shown, each application module 12comprises a conventional multipin male connector 26 mating with thecorresponding female connector (not shown) on the mating surface of baseunit 10; their connection is made simultaneously with assembly of thebase unit and application module. A preferred list of the circuitconnections thus formed is provided below.

In the preferred embodiment, when operating software comprised by thebase unit detects the presence of an application module, that is, whenthe application module and base unit are assembled, the base unit“polls” the application module to determine the identity of the latter,and thus to determine whether the application module comprises ASGUIsoftware not previously stored by the base unit. If so, the new softwareis automatically copied to the base unit, and the ASGUI appears ondisplay screen 14. These steps are accomplished automatically, withoutuser intervention; accordingly, when assembling a new applicationmodule, the user need simply slide it into engagement with the baseunit, and wait a few moments for the ASGUI to appear, prompting furtherinput as needed.

As discussed above, each application module includes a physicalinterface for establishing signal-communicating connection to theequipment to be tested. The application module 12 illustrated in FIG. 1is intended for testing of so-called “T1” communication equipment,lines, or systems. Such equipment is typically provided with definedtest points for connection of test equipment of known type; morespecifically, four connections are commonly provided, allowing aninstrument to be connected to “eastbound” and “westbound” transmit andreceive lines. In the embodiment shown, these connections are effectedby four jumper wires connected to the instrument at four jacks 30.

It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the details of thephysical interface to the equipment to be tested are necessarilyapplication-specific and so vary from one application module to thenext. All types of devices or instrumentalities for providing effectivesignal-communicating connection to equipment to be tested, as well asother devices for providing, for example, appropriate signal inputs tosuch equipment, are therefore to be understood as within the physicalinterface provided as part of each application module according to theinvention.

For example, in verifying operation of a credit-card reader it wouldtypically be necessary to provide a “test card” having predeterminedinformation stored thereon, as well as a circuit connection interposedbetween the device and the telephone line, so as to intercept and verifythe device's response to the test card. Similarly, in testing computerequipment, for example, in testing a printer, it might be desirable toprovide connection to the printer's input port, to provide a knownseries of command characters, text, drawings, and the like, and also toprovide connection to the printer's internal circuitry, to determine thelocation of any flaw. In other cases, the physical interface may beprovided by an antenna and transceiver for establishing wirelesssignal-communicating connection, e.g., for testing cellular telephoneequipment. These and numerous other types of physical interface aretherefore within the scope of the invention.

Completing the discussion of the physical characteristics of thepreferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, base unit 10comprises jacks for external communication (not shown), such as a jackfor connection of a printer or a communication cable conforming to thewell-known RS-232C standard. Such a connection can be employed fordownloading stored data, e.g. archival data copied from equipment duringtesting, for receiving software upgrades, or the like. Base unit 10 alsoincludes a substantial battery, for operating both the base unit and anassociated application module, as well as a jack for connection of anexternal power supply and/or battery charger.

Base unit 10 may also include one or more ports for connection ofexpansion components, such as those conforming to the well-known“PCMCIA” standard; these can be used from time to time as needed fortemporary connection of modems for communication, supply of replacementor upgraded base unit software, and the like. However, it will beappreciated that according to an important object of the invention suchdevices are not required for normal field operations, as they are ratherfragile. Use of floppy disks to support particular test operations isalso avoided according to the invention, as these too are fragile andsubject to being lost.

FIG. 2 shows in block diagram form the principal functional componentsof the base unit 10 and the application module 12, the latter againbeing shown in an embodiment intended for testing of T1 communicationequipment or systems. As illustrated, the base unit 10 comprises fiveprincipal subsystems: a processor subsystem 40, a communicationssubsystem 42, a user subsystem 44, a power subsystem 46, and an audiosubsystem 48. These subsystems are detailed below with respect to FIGS.3-7, respectively.

The principal function of the processor subsystem 40 is to provide aplatform for operation of the user interface software, including boththe generic software stored by base module 10, and theapplication-specific software stored by the application module 12 andcopied to the base unit 10 as needed upon their assembly. The processorsubsystem also provides direct communication connection to the mainprocessor 60 of the application module 12, as illustrated, and supportsthe communication subsystem 42 for external communication as needed fromtime to time. In the presently preferred embodiment, the processorsubsystem is built around an Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) SC400 singlechip microprocessor, essentially compatible with the well-known IntelCorporation 486SX microprocessor. Use of this “PC-compatible” chip isdesirable as this allows software development using conventional PCtechniques. Further details of the processor subsystem 42 are providedbelow in connection with FIG. 3.

The communications subsystem 42 provides an interface 50 to PCMCIAcards, used to provide modem and other functions not normally requiredduring field operations, and an interface 52 for a printer or RS-232Ccommunication facility. As can be seen, the communication subsystem ispowered by direct connection to a battery charger 56, again, normallynot used during field operations. Further details of the communicationssubsystem 42 are provided below in connection with FIG. 4.

The user subsystem is detailed further below with reference to FIG. 5;its principal function is that of providing the interface between theprocessor subsystem 40 and the preferred touch-screen display 14.

The power subsystem 46 includes a battery sufficient to power both thebase unit and application module 12; the latter requires no power whendisconnected from base unit 10, and is powered-up automatically whenconnected. The battery can be recharged by connection to a separatecharger 56 at the conclusion of field operations. Further details of thepower subsystem 46 are provided below in connection with FIG. 6.

Finally, the audio subsystem 48, detailed below in connection with FIG.7 below, provides system notification tones, used to alert the user, andprovides a microphone interface.

Turning now to details of the connection between base unit 10 andapplication module 12, as discussed above the connection is made asindicated at 58 upon assembly, when a male connector 26 (FIG. 1)comprised by application module 12 mates with a female connectorcomprised by base unit 10. It will be appreciated that numerousalternative connection arrangements are within the scope of theinvention.

In the preferred embodiment depicted, the processor subsystem 40 of thebase unit is connected by an asynchronous serial interface 70 and statusand control lines 72 to the main processor 60 of the application module12. Connections are also provided between the power subsystem 46 of thebase unit and the power supply 62 of the application module; as noted,all power required by application module 12 is supplied by the powersubsystem 46 of the base unit. In the embodiment of application module12 shown, one of signal connection jacks 30 is connected, by way of apulse shape filter 64 and a digital signal processor 66, to the audiosubsystem 48; this allows frequency analysis of voice traffic on anassociated communication line.

As noted, the application module 12 shown is intended for testing of T1communication equipment, facilities, and/or systems. Accordingly, jacks30 provide connections to eastbound and westbound transmit and receivelines. Jacks 30 are connected to a T1 analog interface chip 74, wherebasic analog signal level measurement and signal reconstruction areperformed. (It will be appreciated that T1 testing per se is well known;the test functions provided by application module 12 are not themselvesclaimed to be novel.) The reconstituted signal is provided to a T1application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 76, providing framing andanalysis of of the reconstructed bitstream. T1 ASIC 76 and mainprocessor 60 are connected to a data router 78 by a main processor bus80, providing parallel data transmission. Main processor 60, which maycomprise a Motorola 68360 microprocessor chip, provides communicationwith base unit 10 and controls the overall operation of applicationmodule 12. Data router 78 selects portions of the recovered bitstreamaccording to desired bandwidth (i.e., allowing selection betweenmessages transmitted simultaneously). A bit error rate test(BERT) ASIC82 connected to data router 78 by a BERT bus 84 counts errors in therecieved data stream and provides a variety of test patterns fortransmission onto the T1 network, to evaluate the response of thenetwork to known “problem” bit patterns. Again, the test proceduressupported by the application module are not themselves claimed to benovel. Finally, a daughtercard connector 86 may be provided, allowingconvenient access to main processor bus by external elements, fortesting of the instrument, upgrading the application-specific softwarestored by the application module 12, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the principal components of the processorsubsystem 40, and its connections to the other components or subsystemsof the instrument. As illustrated, and as generally conventional, thecomponents are all connected to an address/control line 100, providingcontrol signals, and a data bus 102, over which data, for example, flowsin response to a particular request from one component to another.

The components connected by way of the address/control line 100 and databus 102 include processor 104. As above, in the preferred embodimentprocessor 104 is implemented by an Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) SC 400single chip microprocessor, essentially compatible with the well-knownIntel Corporation 486SX microprocessor, allowing standard “PC”architectural and design practices to be followed.

Several distinct types of solid-state memory components are alsoconnected to the address/control line 100 and data bus 102, including:4-16 megabytes of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 106; high-speed“flash” memory 108, including up to 16 megabytes of general-purposememory, equivalent to the typical magnetic memory used by conventionalPC operating systems to contain the ASGUI and operating software,including the basic input/output system (BIOS), the disk operatingsystem (DOS) (required by operating software developed on conventionalPC's, even though there is no disk per se), and Windows, and including256 kilobytes of “boot” flash memory, i.e., for storing basic start-uproutines for initializing the instrument on power-on; a non-volatile,static random-access memory (NVRAM or SRAM) 112, storing setupinformation and results generated during operation in the event of apower loss; and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM) 110, for storing the instrument's serial number and otherfactory-set information.

As shown, the address/control line 100 and data bus 102 both extendbetween the processor subsystem 40 and the communication subsystem 42(see FIG. 4). Serial interface line 118 and control lines 120, bothbuffered in buffer 116, provide connection to the application module.Buffer 114 is provided between processor 104 and data bus 102. Buffers114 and 116 are provided to allow asychronous operation.

A real-time clock (RTC) 126 provides a time signal as needed; both RTC126 and SRAM 112 are provided with separate battery backup indicated atV, to preclude loss of information in the event the main battery failsor is removed.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the communications subsystem 42. Asillustrated, the principal components of communications subsystem 42 area microcontroller (“μcontroller”) 130, a PCMCIA controller 132, a RS-232transceiver 134, and a PCMCIA power switch 136. As shown,microcontroller 130 is connected to the processor subsystem 40 (FIG. 3)by address/control bus 100 and data bus 102, while PCMCIA controller 132is connected by data bus 102 and address and control bus 101. The PCMCIAcontroller is a standard component used to interface PCMCIA cards toprocessors, in this case main processor 104 (FIG. 3); as can be seen twoslots 140 are provided for insertion of PCMCIA cards. Such cards are anindustry-standard way of temporarily adding functions, e.g., modemcapability, to PC-compatible computers. As noted above, according to animportant object of the invention, such cards are not used duringordinary field operation of the instrument, due to their relativefragility, but are used only from time to time. For example, a PCMCIAmodem might be temporarily connected to allow downloading of updatedsoftware, or to communicate archival data copied from equipment undertest to a remote location.

As indicated, the PCMCIA power switch 136 provides a power connectionbetween the power subsystem 46 and the PCMCIA cards when used. Powerswitch 136 preferably provides differing supply voltages as needed byvarious PCMCIA cards.

As indicated at 132, microcontroller 130 provides a control signal(I²C), indicative of the battery's level of charge, to an externalbattery charger (see FIG. 6 for details), and the interface between themain processor 104 and the digitizer 150 (FIG. 5) providing controlsignals responsive to the user's touching display screen 14 (FIG. 1).Microcontroller 130 may also be employed to drive various system statusLEDs, support contrast and backlight control inputs to the display 14,and the like.

RS-232 transceiver 134 provides the interface needed between a printer(as shown, complying with the PR-40A standard) and the main processor104 (FIG. 3). Data is transferred by serial interface 122 and controlsignals by local bus 100.

Referring now to FIG. 5, user subsystem 44 includes digitizer 150providing control signals in response to the user's contacting specifiedportions of the liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen 14 (FIG. 1). Morespecifically, as discussed above, the ASGUI defined by each applicationmodule includes software whereby the display screen at any given timeshows various software-defined regions corresponding to various controloptions then available to the user. The user makes a selection bycontacting the screen. Digitizer 150 detects the location of thecontact, and supplies a corresponding signal to processor subsystem 40by way of serial interface 142. Processor subsystem 40 then compares thelocation of the contact with the defined regions, and takes theappropriate control action.

User subsystem 44 also includes a VGA controller 152 connected byaddress/control bus 100 and data bus 102 to processor subsystem 40. VGAcontroller 152 provides control and data signals to touch-screen displayscreen 14, which may preferably comprise a liquid-crystal display (LCD).Controller 44 is provided with a separate DRAM 154. User subsystem 44may also include various system status LEDs 156 driven byaddress/control bus 100, for the user's information.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the specific choiceof digitizer 150 and VGA controller 152 will normally depend on thechoice of display 14; selection and implementation of these componentsis within the ordinary skill of the art.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the power subsystem 46. The essentialfunctions of power subsystem 46 are to convert the fixed DC voltageprovided by a battery 170 to DC of several voltages as required byvarious circuit components, and AC as required by typical LCD displays,to monitor the battery condition so as to store updated data beforebattery power is lost, to provide backup power in the latter event tomaintain the contents of the SRAM 112 and RTC 126 (both shown in FIG.3), and to monitor the condition of battery 170 and operate anassociated charger as needed.

In the preferred embodiment, battery 170 is a “smart” battery, e.g.,Duracell DR-15, providing an I²C signal, indicative of the level ofcharge of the battery, used to control a charger. That is, in normaluse, battery 170 provides sufficient stored power for a day's work; atthe end of the day, the user connects an external battery charger (notshown) to port 174, connected to battery 170 via diode 176, precludingreversed-polarity connection from damaging battery 170. A thermistormeasuring the temperature of the battery, and its rate of change, isprovided to disable the charger, via control line 178, when battery 170has been fully charged.

When the user closes a manual switch indicated at 182, an FET or otherswitching element 180 connects battery 170 to a system power supply 184providing several DC voltages as indicated, and to a backup power supply186, providing backup power V, as discussed above. When an applicationmodule is connected, a second switching element 188 is closed, providingpower to the application module. A further switching element 190 is alsoconnected between power supply 184 and display 14, and is operated todepower the display after a period of nonuse, reducing the overall powerconsumption. A LCD Bias/Backlight power supply 192 is also powered bysystem power supply 184, proving AC for backlighting the display, andrelatively high DC as required by display 14. As indicated, LCDBias/Backlight power supply 192 is connected to address/control line100. A contrast control 196 may also be provided.

The audio subsystem 48 principally provides audible tones in response tocontrol signals received, for example, from the applications module toalert the user that input is required. As shown in FIG. 7, audiosubsystem 48 comprises a summing amplifier 210 connected to theprocessor module 40 and to the application module for receiving controlinputs, and connected in turn to a speaker driver 212 for providing adrive signal to a speaker 214 provided in the base module. An earphonejack 216 may be provided as well; switch 217 disables the speaker if anearphone plug is inserted. Microphone inputs 218 may also be provided,connected through a selector switch 220 to the application module asindicated; these may be useful to inject voice signals in test of acommunication system.

The following provides a tabular listing of the signals connectedbetween the base unit and applications module when the two areassembled. These connections are implemented in the preferred embodimentusing standard 25-pin connectors.

Pin No. Signal Name Notes  1 Ground (Gnd) Audio ground 13 Not used  2Spkr − Speaker audio to base unit 14 Spkr + Speaker audio to base unit 3 Mic − Microphone audio from base unit 15 Mic + Microphone audio frombase unit  4 RTS* Handshake to base unit (used to establishcommunication)  7 RX Data Asynchronous data from base unit 19 TX DataAsynchronous data to base unit  8 +5 V Power from base unit 20 Pwr Int*Loss of power warning from base unit  9 +3.3 V Power from base unit 21+5 V Power from base unit 10 Battery 10.8 V power from base unit 16 +3.3V  5 Gnd 17 Gnd Application module present  6 CTS* Handshake from baseunit (used to establish communication) 18 +3.3 V 22 +3.3 V 11 Gnd 23 +5V 12 Gnd 24 Gnd 25 +5 V

It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that in the above RXData and TX Data are the serial data lines over which data istransmitted between the base unit and applications module, and that thehandshaking signals RTS* and CTS* are used to establish synchronizationand communication therebetween, in a generally conventional manner. ThePWR INT* signal is provided by the base unit responsive to detectionthat the battery voltage is dangerously low; the application moduleresponds in the event of possible power loss by setting non-volatilelatching “deadman” relays, connecting the input and output jackstogether, thus avoiding interruption of service, and by storing keydata. See FIG. 8, discussed below. The power supply voltages and groundconnections are generally self-explanatory, although the presence of aground-valued signal on pin 17, when detected by the base unit,indicates that an application module is present; power switch 188 (FIG.6) is then opened, providing power to the application module.

FIG. 8 provides a more detailed block diagram of the application module12 used for T1 communications testing, as summarized in FIG. 2. Again,application modules intended for other purposes will vary significantlyfrom that shown. As described above, the principal components of theapplication module 12 include a main processor 60, connected by serialcommunication line 70 and status/control line 72 to the main processorsubsystem 40 of the base unit. As shown in FIG. 8, main processor 60 mayinclude a microprocessor 250, supported by a memory module 252 includingFlash, DRAM, and content-addressable memory (CAM) memories, andincluding one or more serial communications controllers 254.

Main processor 60 is connected by a main processor bus 80 to data router78, T1 ASIC 76, BERT ASIC 82, and daughtercard connector 86, all asdiscussed above. In the preferred embodiment, data router 78 comprises astatic random-access memory (SRAM)-based field-programmable gate array(FPGA), essentially comprising hard-wired logic for high-speedprocessing of received data streams. CAM is also useful in providinghigh-speed processing, limiting the software requirements.

More particularly, as noted above, jacks 30 provide connections toeastbound and westbound transmit (TX) and receive (RX) lines. Jacks 30are connected to a T1 analog interface chip 74, where basic analogsignal level measurement and signal reconstruction are performed; thatis, the pulse-shape distortion inherent in transmission is corrected,yielding a “clean” digital signal for processing. The reconstitutedsignal is provided to T1 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)76, comparing the timing of the reconstructed bitstream to a clocksignal, thus providing framing and analysis of the recieved signal. T1ASIC 76 is connected directly to data router 78 by separate bus 260, inaddition to main processor bus 80, providing parallel data transmission.Data router 78 selects portions of the recovered bitstream according todesired bandwidth (i.e., allowing selection between messages transmittedsimultaneously). A bit error rate test (BERT) ASIC 82 connected to datarouter 78 by a BERT bus 84 counts errors in the received data stream andprovides a variety of test patterns for transmission onto the T1network, to evaluate the response of the network to known “problem” bitpatterns. Again, the test procedures supported by the application moduleare not themselves claimed to be novel.

Signal connection jacks 30 are connected to a T1 analog unit 74,including the deadman relays mentioned above, so that if power is lost,for example, the relays operate automatically to connect the jack pairstogether, reestablishing network connections.

In the embodiment of application module 12 shown, one of signalconnection jacks 30 is also connected to a pulse shape filter 64including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 262 operating at 40 MHZ.ADC 262 is used to measure the distortion of the “clean” digital signalas originally transmitted; that is, during transmission the clean signalwill have become distorted, resembling an irregular sine wave. ADC 262measures the amplitude of this signal at short time intervals, as a stepin measuring its distortion. The digital words resulting are stored inSRAM 264 and a first-in, first-out (FIFO) register 266. The contents ofregister 266 are then provided to a digital signal processor (DSP) 66for analysis; a connection 270 is also provided to data router 78,allowing the signal to be provided to main processor 60 as needed.Digital signal processor 66 is also connected to the audio subsystem 48;this allows frequency analysis of voice traffic on an associatedcommunication line.

As above, a daughtercard connector 86 may be provided, allowingconvenient access to main processor bus 80 by external elements, fortesting of the instrument, upgrading the application-specific softwarestored by the application module 12, and the like.

Finally, as indicated above, application module 12 includes a powersupply 62, connected as indicated to the power subsystem 46 of the baseunit 10; as noted, all power required by application module 12 issupplied by the power subsystem 46 of the base unit.

As mentioned above, it is an object of the invention to provide amodular test instrument wherein a generic base module can be specializedto perform any of a wide variety of application-specific user functionsupon assembly of an application module thereto, and moreover, that thisis to be accomplished with minimal user intervention, so as to reducethe amount of operator training required. As also mentioned above, inthe preferred embodiment this is accomplished by providing eachapplication module with specialized GUI software and operating programsand data, these being copied to the base unit as needed automaticallyupon assembly. FIG. 9 shows the principal steps in this process.

As indicated, the process begins at 280, when the user (as indicated at281) assembles the application module and base unit. At 282, the useroperates the power switch on the base unit. From this point forward,operation is automatic. The base unit “boots” at 283. If the base unitdetects that an application module is present, by detecting the presenceof a ground on pin 17 (as above) of the main connector, as indicated at284, the base unit then provides power at 285 to the application module,which is then powered-up, as indicated at 286.

The base unit then polls the application module at indicated at 287,requesting an identification of the application module and its softwarerevision number. The application module responds at 288 with thisinformation, as indicated at 289. At step 290, the base unit comparesthis information with that stored; if the base unit has not alreadystored this software, it requests at 291 that the application moduledownload the new software, accomplished as indicated at 292, 293. On theother hand, if the software stored by the application module haspreviously thus been stored by the base unit, as determined at 294, thebase unit proceeds immediately to display a “welcome screen”, that is,the first screen of the ASGUI, at 295. At this point the instrument isprepared to accept the user's initial input, at 296, and processingcontinues thereafter, as indicated at 297.

It will thus be appreciated that the user need only assemble the baseunit and application module and turn on the power to activate theinstrument, that new software can thus be provided to the base unit in asimple and efficient manner, and moreover that the downloading processneed be performed only once per revision of the software. It would alsobe possible to operate the display and provide the ASGUI directly fromthe application module, but this would require a much larger and morecostly connector between the application module and base unit.

Reference has been made to a particular advantage of the invention,wherein the application-specific user interface allows the user tospecify a particular test by selection of a test from be explained indetail in the context of testing a communication facility.

According to the prior art, a user seeking to test a communicationfacility had first to select the test arrangement to be employed, thenselect the type of test to be performed, and finally select theparameters of the corresponding test from a number of menus, eachproviding a selection of optional settings for each of the parameters.Each of these selection processes involved time and careful effort, andrequired the operator to be suitably trained.

For example, in the context of testing a so-called T1 line using priorart instruments, the user must first define the preferred testarrangement; for example, typical prior art test instruments can beoperated simply to monitor an existing communication channel, to perform“drop and insert” testing, that is, replace an existing sequence of bitswith a defined test sequence, or to “loop back” incoming signals totheir source. It will be appreciated that each of these testarrangements allows differing tests to be performed. The user must thendefine the type of test to be performed; in the monitoring context, forexample, the user typically selects whether the signal is to be examinedfor proper “framing”—i.e., to determine whether the bits are properlysynchronized—or for the proper “pattern”—whether the bits correctly obeythe data protocol being employed. Finally, in many cases the user mustthen make selections from a number of menus of parameters, e.g., todefine the allowable signal parameters as a step in determining whetherthe connection meets specified standards. For example, the user mighttypically be obliged to define the framing parameters, or the bitpattern, or if the bit rate of the signal, the signal-to-noise ratio, orthe signal distortion is to be measured, to input the appropriate rangesof values for comparison. These selection steps are quitetime-consuming, especially when performed repetitively, and require usertraining.

By comparison, according to the present invention, the user need merelyselect the test arrangement by pressing one of a set of defined screen“buttons” (i.e., areas on the screen defined by the application-specificGUI software). See FIG. 10(a), illustrating the choices of “MonitorSignal”, “Term/Orig” (Terminate and Originate), “Drop/Insert”, “LoopbackDevice”, and “Emulate Device”. In response to the user's choice of oneof the “application groups”, the instrument of the invention thendisplays a choice of test applications; for example, if the user selects“Monitor Signal”, the instrument provides the choice of “T1”, “VF”(Voice Frequency), “GSM” (Global System for Mobile Communications), and“Cell Capture”. In response to selection of a test application, e.g.,“T1”, a further screen is displayed. See FIG. 10(b); the legend “MonitorT1” in the lower left indicates the user's selection. At this point, theuser has the option of selecting “Setup”, “T1-D4”, or “QRSS”. If “Setup”is selected, the instrument will display menus of possible parameters tobe selected, much as in the prior art instruments. However, if either“T1-D4” (corresponding to framing measurement) or “QRSS” (correspondingto verification of the proper bit pattern) is selected, the instrumentimmediately makes appropriate selections of parameters from a library ofstored tests, preferably determined by observation of preferred testpractices of skilled users. In this way the user need not spend timeselecting the particular parameters of a test, and, perhaps moresignificantly, need not be trained in their selection; the “Setup”option preserves the flexibility of more complete parameter selection byskilled users.

A preferred embodiment of the invention having thus been described, itwill be appreciated by those of skill in the art that numerousadvantages are provided thereby. In particular, it will be appreciatedthat the instrument of the invention provides unprecedented flexibility,ease of use, and user-friendliness. To convert the instrument from oneapplication to another, the user need only withdraw the applicationmodule in use from the base unit and assemble the new applicationmodule. This can be accomplished in seconds, without tools. Theapplication-specific software will then be copied as needed and thedisplay will show the new ASGUI, prompting the user. Functions arepartitioned between the base unit and application module in a wayensuring that the application modules are of relatively low cost, whilethe base unit is adaptable to use in a wide variety of applications. Itwill be appreciated that while a base unit could store a variety ofASGUIs this would require enormous amounts of memory. Furthermore,providing the ASGUI software with each application module allows thebase unit to remain useful for a number of years, reducing the effectivecost of the instrument; that is, as new devices that will requiretesting are introduced, new application modules can be provided. Fragilecomponents such as floppy disks and PCMCIA cards are not required duringfield operations; accordingly, they are unlikely to be lost or damaged,and the field user need not be trained in their operation. Highlysophisticated instrumentation is thus made usable by relativelyuntrained personnel.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed indetail, the invention is not to be limited thereby, but only by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An instrument, comprising in combination a baseunit and an application module, said base unit providing predeterminednon-application-specific functions, and comprising a display device fordisplay of a graphical user interface (GUI), said predeterminednon-application-specific functions provided by said base unit includinggeneric control functions required to operate said display device, saidbase unit being adapted to be assembled to a correspondingapplication-specific application module selected from a group thereof,each application module mating with said base unit in accordance with apredetermined physical and electrical interface, and each saidapplication module storing application-specific program data andsoftware, including application-specific GUI software, and providingapplication-specific physical interface means for providingpredetermined application-specific communication with an apparatus,device, or system to be tested, wherein when said base unit and acorresponding application module have been cooperatively assembled, thecombination is capable of performing one or more predetermined end-userfunctions, the end-user functions provided by a given application modulebeing specific to a single application, and said display comprised bysaid base unit is enabled to display an application-specific GUI, andwherein neither said base unit nor said application module is operableto perform said predetermined end-user functions without the other. 2.An instrument, comprising in combination a base unit and an applicationmodule, said base unit providing predetermined non-application-specificfunctions, and comprising a display device for display of a graphicaluser interface (GUI), said predetermined non-application-specificfunctions provided by said base unit including generic control functionsrequired to operate said display device, said base unit being adapted tobe assembled to a corresponding application-specific application moduleselected from a group thereof, each application module mating with saidbase unit in accordance with a predetermined physical and electricalinterface, and each said application module storing application-specificprogram data and software, including application-specific GUI software,and providing application-specific physical interface means forproviding predetermined application-specific communication with anapparatus, device, or system to be tested, and wherein when said baseunit and a corresponding application module have been cooperativelyassembled, the combination is capable of performing one or morepredetermined end-user functions, the end-user functions provided by agiven application module being specific to a single application, andsaid display comprised by said base unit is enabled to display anapplication-specific GUI.
 3. The instrument of claim 2, wherein neithersaid base unit nor said application module is operable to perform saidpredetermined end-user functions without the other.
 4. The instrument ofclaim 2, wherein said display device comprised by said base unit is atouch-sensitive display operated by said generic control functionsprovided by said base unit to accept user input responsive to a usercontacting predetermined areas thereof, whereby said predetermined areasof said touch-sensitive display may be defined differently with respectto different end-user functions by application-specific software storedby said different application modules, as part of ASGUIs defined foreach application.
 5. The instrument of claim 2, wherein an ASGUI isdefined for each application-specific end-user function by provision ofa sequence of screens of information each identifying one or more areason said display device for prompting user input, the sequence of saidscreens displayed in any given operation of said instrument to performan end-user function varying responsive to the input provided by theuser responsive to said prompting information.
 6. The instrument ofclaim 5, wherein said specific application is telecommunicationstesting, comprising the testing of one or more of a telecommunicationsapparatus, communication facility, or overall system operation, andwherein an application module is selected corresponding to thecommunication protocol implemented by said apparatus, facilities, orsystems, and is assembled to said base unit for telecommunicationstesting thereof.
 7. The instrument of claim 6, wherein said sequence ofscreens provided to a user for telecommunications testing includes oneor more screens giving the user the option to select an end-userfunction, and wherein the user may specify a given end-user function byindividual input of parameters for controlling said application moduleto perform a given test in order to test an associated apparatus,facility, or system, or by selecting a predetermined test from a libraryof tests stored by said application module, each stored test comprisinga corresponding selection of said parameters.
 8. The instrument of claim2, wherein said different application modules each include memory meansstoring ASGUI software defining an ASGUT for the correspondingapplication-specific end-user functions, and wherein saidnon-application-specific software stored by said base unit comprises GUIsoftware for copying and storing said ASGUI software from saidapplication module, and for then displaying the sequence of screensdefined by said ASGUI on said display.
 9. The instrument of claim 8,wherein said base unit comprises polling software for determining anidentification of ASGUI software stored by an associated applicationmodule when assembled to said base unit, for determining whether saidASGUI software has previously been stored by said base unit, and, ifnot, for copying said ASGUI software from said application module tosaid base unit for displaying the sequence of screens defined by saidASGUI on said display.
 10. The instrument of claim 9, wherein said baseunit and said application modules each comprise separate housingsadapted to be conveniently assembled to one another to form astructurally integral unit, and wherein said polling software comprisedby said base unit operates automatically without user input upon suchassembly.
 11. The instrument of claim 2, wherein said base unit and saidapplication modules each comprise separate housings adapted to beconveniently assembled to one another to form a structurally integralunit, and wherein said base unit comprises means, operated automaticallywithout user input upon such assembly, for identifying said applicationmodule and for copying said application-specific program data andsoftware stored by said application module into said base unit as neededfor performance of said end-user functions.
 12. The instrument of claim2, wherein said base unit comprises power supply means for powering bothsaid base unit and said application module when connected thereto, saidapplication-specific program data and software stored by saidapplication module being stored in non-volatile memory.
 13. Theinstrument of claim 12, wherein said power supply means comprised bysaid base unit comprises a battery and battery condition monitor means,said battery condition monitor means providing a signal to saidapplication module if said battery is detected to be significantlydischarged, and said application module comprising means for respondingthereto by storing updated data.
 14. The instrument of claim 13, whereinlatching deadman relay means connecting input and output connections ofsaid instrument are also set upon detection of said signal.
 15. Aninstrument, comprising in combination a base unit and an applicationmodule, said base unit providing predetermined non-application-specificfunctions, and comprising a display device for display of a graphicaluser interface (GUI), said predetermined non-application-specificfunctions provided by said base unit including generic control functionsrequired to operate said display device, said base unit being adapted tobe assembled to a corresponding application-specific application moduleselected from a group thereof, each application module mating with saidbase unit in accordance with a predetermined physical and electricalinterface, and each said application module storing application-specificprogram data and software, including application-specific GUI (ASGUI)software, and providing application-specific physical interface meansfor providing predetermined application-specific communication with anapparatus, device, or system to be tested, and wherein when said baseunit and a corresponding application module have been cooperativelyassembled, (1) the combination is capable of performing one or moreapplication-specific functions that cannot be performed by said baseunit in the absence of the application module, and (2) said displaycomprised by said base unit is enabled to display anapplication-specific GUI (ASGUI).
 16. The instrument of claim 15,wherein said display device comprised by said base unit is atouch-sensitive display operated by said generic control functionsprovided by said base unit to accept user input responsive to a usercontacting predetermined areas thereof, whereby said predetermined areasof said touch-sensitive display may be defined differently with respectto different application-specific functions by application-specificsoftware stored by said different application modules, as part of ASGUIsdefined for the corresponding application.
 17. The instrument of claim15, wherein an ASGUI is defined for each application-specific functionby provision of a sequence of screens of information each identifyingone or more areas on said display device for prompting user input, thesequence of said screens displayed in any given operation of saidinstrument to perform an application-specific function varyingresponsive to the input provided by the user responsive to saidprompting information.
 18. The instrument of claim 17, wherein saidspecific application is telecommunications testing, comprising thetesting of a telecommunications apparatus, communication facility, oroverall system operation, and wherein an application module is selectedcorresponding to the communication protocol implemented by saidapparatus, facility, or systems, and is assembled to said base unit fortesting thereof.
 19. The instrument of claim 18, wherein said sequenceof screens provided to a user for telecommunications testing includesone or more screens giving the user the option to select anapplication-specific test, and wherein the user may specify a givenapplication-specific test by individual input of parameters forcontrolling said application module to perform a given test in order totest an associated apparatus, facility, or system, or by selecting apredetermined test from a library of tests stored by said applicationmodule, each stored test comprising a corresponding selection of saidparameters.
 20. The instrument of claim 15, wherein said differentapplication modules each include memory means storing ASGUI softwaredefining an ASGUI for the corresponding application-specific functions,and wherein said non-application-specific software stored by said baseunit comprises GUI software for copying and storing said ASGUI softwarefrom said application module, and for then displaying the sequence ofscreens defined by said ASGUI on said display.
 21. The instrument ofclaim 20, wherein said base unit comprises polling software fordetermining an identification of ASGUI software stored by an associatedapplication module when assembled to said base unit, for determiningwhether said ASGUI software has previously been stored by said baseunit, and, if not, for copying said ASGUI software from said applicationmodule to said base unit for displaying the sequence of screens definedby said ASGUI on said display.
 22. The instrument of claim 21, whereinsaid base unit and said application modules each comprise separatehousings adapted to be conveniently assembled to one another to form astructurally integral unit, and wherein said polling software comprisedby said base unit operates automatically without user input upon suchassembly.
 23. The instrument of claim 15, wherein said base unit andsaid application modules each comprise separate housings adapted to beconveniently assembled to one another to form a structurally integralunit, and wherein said base unit comprises means, operated automaticallywithout user input upon such assembly, for identifying said applicationmodule and for copying said application-specific program data andsoftware stored by said application module into said base unit as neededfor performance of said application-specific functions.
 24. Theinstrument of claim 23, wherein said base unit comprises power supplymeans for powering both said base unit and said application module whenconnected thereto, said application-specific program data and softwarestored by said application module being stored in non-volatile memory.25. The instrument of claim 24, wherein said power supply meanscomprised by said base unit comprises a battery and battery conditionmonitor means, said battery condition monitor means providing a signalto said application module if said battery is detected to besignificantly discharged, and said application module comprising meansfor responding thereto by storing updated data.
 26. The instrument ofclaim 25, wherein latching deadman relay means connecting input andoutput connections of said instrument are also set upon detection ofsaid signal.
 27. A base unit adapted to be assembled to an applicationmodule selected from a group thereof in order to comprise an instrumentcapable of performing application-specific functions, said base unitcomprising: display means for providing a graphical user interface(GUI), a power supply, an external communications interface, memorymeans for storing non-application-specific software for performingexternal communication functions and for supporting generic userinterface functions, and connection means providing a predeterminedphysical and electrical interface whereby said base unit may beconnected to an application module selected from a group thereofconforming to said predetermined physical and electrical interface,wherein each said application module of said group thereof comprisesapplication-specific physical interface means for providingpredetermined application-specific communication with an apparatus,device, or system to be tested, and stores application-specific programdata and software, including application-specific GUI (ASGUI) software,wherein when said base unit and a corresponding application moduleselected from a group thereof have been cooperatively assembled, (1) thecombination is capable of performing one or more application-specificfunctions that cannot be performed by said base unit in the absence ofthe application module, and (2) said display comprised by said base unitis enabled to display an application-specific GUI (ASGUI).
 28. The baseunit of claim 27, wherein said display device comprised by said baseunit is a touch-sensitive display operated by saidnon-application-specific software to accept user input responsive to auser contacting predetermined areas thereof, whereby said predeterminedareas of said touch-sensitive display may be defined differently withrespect to different application-specific functions byapplication-specific software stored by said different applicationmodules, as part of ASGUIs defined for each application.
 29. The baseunit of claim 27, wherein application-specific software stored by saiddifferent application modules defines an ASGUI for eachapplication-specific function by provision of a sequence of screens ofinformation each identifying one or more areas on said display devicefor prompting user input, the sequence of said screens displayed in anygiven operation of said instrument to perform an application-specificfunction varying responsive to the input provided by the user responsiveto said prompting information.
 30. The base unit of claim 27, whereinsaid different application modules to which said base unit is adapted tobe connected each include memory means storing ASGUI software definingan ASGUI for the corresponding application-specific functions, andwherein said non-application-specific software stored by said base unitcomprises GUI software for copying and storing said ASGUI software fromsaid application module, and for then displaying the sequence of screensdefined by said ASGUI on said display.
 31. The base unit of claim 30,wherein said base unit comprises polling software for determining anidentification of ASGUI software stored by an associated applicationmodule when assembled to said base unit, for determining whether saidASGUI software has previously been stored by said base unit, and, ifnot, for copying said ASGUI software from said application module tosaid base unit for displaying the sequence of screens defined by saidASGUI on said display.
 32. The base unit of claim 31, wherein said baseunit and said application modules each comprise separate housingsadapted to be conveniently assembled to one another to form astructurally integral unit, and wherein said polling software comprisedby said base unit operates automatically without user input upon suchassembly.
 33. The base unit of claim 27, wherein said base unit and saidapplication modules each comprise separate housings adapted to beconveniently assembled to one another to form a structurally integralunit, and wherein said base unit comprises means, operated automaticallywithout user input upon such assembly, for identifying said applicationmodule and for copying said application-specific program data andsoftware stored by said application module into said base unit as neededfor performance of said application-specific functions.
 34. The baseunit of claim 27, wherein said base unit comprises power supply meansfor powering both said base unit and said application module whenconnected thereto, said application-specific program data and softwarestored by said application module being stored in non-volatile memory.35. The base unit of claim 34, wherein said power supply means comprisedby said base unit comprises a battery and battery condition monitormeans, said battery condition monitor means providing a signal to saidapplication module if said battery is detected to be significantlydischarged, and said application module comprising means for respondingthereto by storing updated data.
 36. The base unit of claim 35, furthercomprising latching deadman relay means connecting input and outputconnections of said base unit, said relay means being set upon detectionof said signal.
 37. A method of assembling a instrument specialized forperformance of one or more predetermined end-user functions, saidinstrument comprising a base unit, including user interface meanscomprising a display device for display of a graphical user interface(GUI), and means for storing generic GUI software providingnon-application-specific GUI functions including generic controlfunctions required to operate said display device and to obtain userinput, and an application module selected from a group of suchapplication modules, each such application module providingapplication-specific physical interface functions and storingapplication-specific program data and software, including functional anduser interface software for controlling said display device to displayan application-specific GUI (ASGUI) for prompting a user to performpredetermined application-specific steps and input application-specificrequired information needed to select and perform a correspondingpredetermined end-user function not capable of being performed by eithersaid application module or said base unit in the absence of the other,said method comprising the steps of: selecting from a group of suchapplication modules an application module providing application-specificphysical interface functions and storing application-specific programdata and software appropriate to a predetermined end-user function ofinterest; physically assembling said selected application module to saidbase unit to form a structurally integral unit, such thatsignal-communicating electrical connections are made therebetween;copying said application-specific program data and software from saidselected application module to said base unit as required; and operatingsaid user interface means in accordance with said application-specificprogram data and software to control said display device to display saidapplication-specific GUI (ASGUI) and thereby to prompt a user to performpredetermined application-specific steps and input application-specificrequired information needed to select and perform a predeterminedend-user function, and operating said selected application module inaccordance with said application-specific functional and ASGUT softwareto perform said selected end-user function.
 38. The method of claim 37,wherein said display device and said user interface means comprised bysaid base unit together comprise a touch-sensitive display operated bysaid base unit to accept user input responsive to a user contactingpredetermined areas thereof, whereby said predetermined areas of saidtouch-sensitive display may be defined differently with respect todifferent applications by application-specific GUI software stored bydifferent application modules, as part of an ASGUI defined for eachapplication.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein an ASGUI is defined foreach application-specific end-user function by provision of a sequenceof screens of information each identifying one or more areas on saiddisplay device for prompting user input, the sequence of said screensdisplayed in any given operation of said instrument to perform anend-user function varying responsive to the input provided by the userresponsive to said prompting information.
 40. The method of claim 39,wherein said application is telecommunications testing, and saidapplication-specific end-user functions comprise testing of one or moreof a telecommunications apparatus, communication facility, or overallsystem operation, and wherein an application module is selectedproviding physical interface functions corresponding to thecommunication protocol implemented by said apparatus, facilities, orsystems.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein said sequence of screensprovided to a user for telecommunications testing includes one or morescreens giving the user the option to select an end-user function forperformance, to specify a given test by individual input of parametersfor controlling said instrument to perform a given test in order to testan associated apparatus, facility, or system, or to select apredetermined test from a library of tests stored by said applicationmodule, each stored test comprising a corresponding selection of saidparameters.
 42. The method of claim 39, comprising the further steps ofsaid base unit polling an associated application module when assembledto said base unit for determining an identification of ASGUI softwarestored thereby, determining whether said ASGUI software has previouslybeen stored by said base unit, and if not, copying said ASGUI softwarefrom said application module to said base unit.
 43. The method of claim42, wherein said base unit and said application modules each compriseseparate housings adapted to be conveniently assembled to one another toform a structurally integral unit, and wherein said polling step isperformed by said base unit automatically without user input upon suchassembly.
 44. The method of claim 32, wherein said base unit and saidapplication modules each comprise separate housings adapted to beconveniently assembled to one another to form a structurally integralunit, and wherein said base unit determines the extent to which saidapplication-specific program data and software has not been previouslycopied from said application module to said base unit and copies saidapplication-specific program data and software from said applicationmodule to said base unit as required automatically and without userinput upon such assembly.
 45. The method of claim 37, wherein said baseunit comprises power supply means for powering said base unit and saidapplication module upon assembly thereof, said application modulecomprising non-volatile memory for storing said application-specificfunctional and user interface software.
 46. The method of claim 45,wherein said power supply means comprised by said base unit comprises abattery and battery condition monitor means, and said method furthercomprises the steps of said battery condition monitor means providing asignal to said application module if said battery is detected to besignificantly discharged, and said application module responding theretoby storing updated data.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein latchingdeadman relay means connecting input and output connections of saidinstrument are also set upon detection of said signal.
 48. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said signal-communicating electrical connections madebetween said application module to said base unit upon their assemblyare effected by insertion of a multipin male connector into a multipinfemale receptacle, and said signals include the following: Power groundBidirectional handshake Bidirectional asynchronous data Power from baseunit to application module Application Module Present.
 49. The method ofclaim 48, wherein said signals further include the following: Audioground Speaker audio Microphone audio Loss of Power Warning.
 50. Themethod of claim 48, wherein said step of copying saidapplication-specific user interface software from said applicationmodule to said base unit as required is performed upon detection of theApplication Module Present signal upon physical assembly of saidapplication module to said base unit to form a structurally integralunit, such that said signal-communicating electrical connections aremade therebetween.
 51. The instrument of claim 1, wherein said displaydevice comprised by said base unit is a touch-sensitive display operatedby said generic control functions provided by said base unit to acceptuser input responsive to a user contacting predetermined areas thereof,whereby said predetermined areas of said touch-sensitive display may bedefined differently with respect to different end-user functions byapplication-specific software stored by said different applicationmodules, as part of ASGUIs defined for each application.
 52. Theinstrument of claim 1, wherein an ASGUI is defined for eachapplication-specific end-user function by provision of a sequence ofscreens of information each identifying one or more areas on saiddisplay device for prompting user input, the sequence of said screensdisplayed in any given operation of said instrument to perform anend-user function varying responsive to the input provided by the userresponsive to said prompting information.
 53. The instrument of claim52, wherein said specific application is telecommunications testing,comprising the the testing of one or more of a telecommunicationsapparatus, communication facility, or overall system operation, andwherein an application module is selected corresponding to thecommunication protocol implemented by said apparatus, facilities, orsystems, and is assembled to said base unit for telecommunicationstesting thereof.
 54. The instrument of claim 53, wherein said sequenceof screens provided to a user for telecommunications testing includesone or more screens giving the user the option to select an end-userfunction, and wherein the user may specify a given end-user function byindividual input of parameters for controlling said application moduleto perform a given test in order to test an associated apparatus,facility, or system, or by selecting a predetermined test from a libraryof tests stored by said application module, each stored test comprisinga corresponding selection of said parameters.
 55. The instrument ofclaim 52, wherein said different application modules each include memorymeans storing ASGUI software defining an ASGUI for the correspondingapplication-specific end-user functions, and wherein saidnon-application-specific software stored by said base unit comprises GUIsoftware for copying and storing said ASGUI software from saidapplication module, and for then displaying the sequence of screensdefined by said ASGUI on said display.
 56. The instrument of claim 55,wherein said base unit comprises polling software for determining anidentification of ASGUI software stored by an associated applicationmodule when assembled to said base unit, for determining whether saidASGUI software has previously been stored by said base unit, and, ifnot, for copying said ASGUI software from said application module tosaid base unit for displaying the sequence of screens defined by saidASGUI on said display.
 57. The instrument of claim 56, wherein said baseunit and said application modules each comprise separate housingsadapted to be conveniently assembled to one another to form astructurally integral unit, and wherein said polling software comprisedby said base unit operates automatically without user input upon suchassembly.
 58. The instrument of claim 1, wherein said base unit and saidapplication modules each comprise separate housings adapted to beconveniently assembled to one another to form a structurally integralunit, and wherein said base unit comprises means, operated automaticallywithout user input upon such assembly, for identifying said applicationmodule and for copying said application-specific program data andsoftware stored by said application module into said base unit as neededfor performance of said end-user functions.
 59. The instrument of claim58, wherein said base unit comprises power supply means for poweringboth said base unit and said application module when connected thereto,said application-specific program data and software stored by saidapplication module being stored in non-volatile memory.
 60. Theinstrument of claim 59, wherein said power supply means comprised bysaid base unit comprises a battery and battery condition monitor means,said battery condition monitor means providing a signal to saidapplication module if said battery is detected to be significantlydischarged, and said application module comprising means for respondingthereto by storing updated data.
 61. The instrument of claim 60, whereinlatching deadman relay means connecting input and output connections ofsaid instrument are also set upon detection of said signal.